This episode contains graphic depictions of violence.

Listener discretion is advised.

It's a leap before Christmas.

I'm at a bar called 97 Astoria, just east of downtown Atlanta.

97 Astoria, it's a bit like a dive bar, situated right between two classic Atlanta

neighborhoods, Reynolds Town and Cabbage Town. Cabbage Town, if you remember, is where I live,

inside that old Cotton Mill. Reynolds Town is one neighborhood over.

This bar I'm at sits roughly on the dividing line between the two neighborhoods.

When I first moved to Cabbage Town, a bunch of locals told me that 97 Astoria was a cocaine bar.

I have no idea what that means.

Maybe you buy cocaine from some guy. I'm not really sure.

To us, it's just your typical neighborhood bar with neon beer signs and a cool patio.

But tonight, no one's on the patio. It's too cold, and the bar is pretty much packed.

There's a live band playing jazzed up renditions of Christmas songs

and a comedy show later. It's a five-person band, fronted by a young black woman in a festive

green dress, and her sidekick, a white guy wearing a preppy blue sweater sitting at a keyboard.

He's giving off Broadway show tunes vibes.

This bar is usually pretty grimy, but not

tonight. It's all dressed up

for the holidays. The

smoky, dimly lit lounge vibe

has been livened up with

...